BOOT A N. 
37 
woods in search of plants, and found none but such as were common 
in Bengal, except raspberry bushes, and a shrub in blossom with an 
orange-coloured flower, immediately under which grew a number of 
leaves perfectly white, but in form entirely similar to those on other 
parts of the bush, which were of a lively green. This mixture of co¬ 
lours produced a very singular and pleasing effect. I collected some 
plants, and sent them to Rungpore. Returning from our walk. I found 
the Soobah, with many of his attendants, and the principal inhabitants 
of Buxadewar, shooting with the bow and arrow at a mark, which, 
though small, was frequently pierced, at the distance, as I guessed, of 
one hundred and fifty yards: the arrows were always thrown in an 
horizontal direction. 
The next and following day we had much rain, both in the morning 
and the evening; heavy showers, unattended by thunder or wind, and 
every appearance of the commencement of the rainy season. We paid 
a visit to the Soobah, who rose to receive us. at the entrance of his. 
chamber, and when we were seated, tried to entertain us by an account 
of the omnipotence of his gods, represented in pictures which were 
hanging near him: but his explanation was so blended with fable and 
mystery, that to me it was quite unintelligible. An enamelled snuff¬ 
box lay by him, which he gave me to look at, and, when I had it in my 
hand, he desired me to keep it; he presented me also with a purse, 
into which he put three rupees ; for I found it the custom of the people 
here never to give away an empty purse. After some trivial conver¬ 
sation, w r e took with him one cup of tea, and another of spirit f and, 
on taking our leave, we were presented, as usual, with trays of fruit. 
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